European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2007
Effects of infectious disease on plasma lipids and their diagnostic significance in critical illness.
Plasma lipids can be affected by acute illnesses. The present study attempts to characterize the impact of infectious disease on plasma lipids in critical illness. It also aims to determine the value of plasma lipid routine measurements in the diagnosis of infection in critical illness in comparison to markers of infection and acute phase reactants. ⋯ In critically ill infected patients, HDL-C and TC levels are lower than in non-infected critically ill patients. In this study the diagnostic accuracy of CRP is not better than the one of HDL-C. The diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin is superior to HDL-C.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Apr 2007
Right ventricular performance in severe obesity. Effect of weight loss.
The effects of severe obesity on right ventricular function in the absence of associated cardiopulmonary disease are not well known. Right myocardial performance index (R-MPI) is an echocardiographic index to non-invasively assess the right ventricular function. The aim of our study was to assess R-MPI in individuals with severe but uncomplicated obesity before and after a significant weight loss induced by bariatric surgery. ⋯ These results show a right ventricular dysfunction in severe uncomplicated obesity, associated with an impaired functional capacity which recovers after consistent weight loss.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Feb 2007
Comparative StudyNasal nitric oxide in cystic fibrosis with and without humming.
Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) values are reduced in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Humming during nNO measurement increases nNO values in healthy subjects. Nasal NO is reduced in patients with CF, sinus disease or nasal polyps. Humming nNO values have not been reported in CF patients yet. Our aim was to explore humming nNO values in CF patients and assess whether nNO during humming is a better discriminator than silent nNO measurements in this patient group. ⋯ Nasal NO concentrations with and without humming are significantly decreased in CF. Humming nNO is an excellent discriminator between HC and CF and performs better than silent nNO.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Feb 2007
Comparative StudyCirculating levels of copeptin, a novel biomarker, in lower respiratory tract infections.
Vasopressin has haemodynamic as well as osmoregulatory effects, and reflects the individual stress response. Copeptin is co-synthesized with vasopressin, directly mirroring vasopressin levels, but is more stable in plasma and serum. Both levels are increased in patients with septic shock. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are a precursor of sepsis. Thus, we investigated circulating levels and the prognostic use of copeptin for the severity and outcome in patients with LRTI. ⋯ Copeptin levels are increased with increasing severity of LRTI namely in patients with CAP and unfavourable outcome. Copeptin levels, as a novel biomarker, might be a useful tool in the risk stratification of patients with LRTI.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jan 2007
Reduced endothelial progenitor cells in European and South Asian men with atherosclerosis.
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a role in the repair and regeneration of the endothelium and may represent a novel cardiovascular risk factor. South Asian subjects have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease which is not fully explained by known risk factors. This study examined associations of EPCs with atherosclerosis and possible ethnic differences in EPCs. ⋯ The number of EPCs are reduced in subjects with atherosclerosis independent of other risk factors. Reduction in EPC numbers may be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis but does not explain ethnic differences in cardiovascular risk.